KAILUA-KONA, HAWAII – A Kona fishing charter boat captain died today after being fatally injured by a broadbill swordfish he had just speared in Honokohau small boat harbor on Hawaii Island

Just before 11 a.m. the man reportedly spotted a swordfish swimming in the back area of the harbor near the DLNR Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) harbor office. DOBOR staff and witnesses say he jumped into the water and speared the fish. The fish then reportedly struck the man in the chest with its sharp bill. He was pulled by onlookers from the harbor and was unresponsive.

Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation was administered until the Hawaii Fire Department arrived. He was transported by ambulance to Kona Community Hospital. Hawaii Police Department officers responded and took statements from witnesses. DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources officers are also investigating.

The fish measured about 3 feet long, with a bill length of about 3 feet, and weighed about 40 pounds.